Today’s Daily Mail Cryptic Crossword Solution Revealed May 7, 2024

Crossword puzzles come in all kinds of shapes and levels of difficulty. Some are easy, like the ones you might find in the newspaper. Others are more complicated and can be found in books or online. These puzzles cover lots of different topics like things you know, words you use, fun facts, playing with words, and sometimes they even have a special theme.

Question: RAF accepts doubtful UFO? (10)

Answer: SPACECRAFT

The Royal Air Force (RAF) might entertain the idea of accepting something mysterious and possibly extraterrestrial, which fits the description of a UFO. However, the actual answer is SPACECRAFT, indicating an unidentified flying object could be a man-made vehicle from outer space.

Question: Croatian port increased part (5,2)

Answer: SPLIT UP

When a Croatian port increases its capacity or expands, it may undergo a process where it divides or separates into smaller sections, which is described by the term SPLIT UP.

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Question: Whisky required by a Mediterranean island (5)

Answer: MALTA

This Mediterranean island may have a specific type of whisky associated with it, possibly referencing a brand or style popular in that region, hence the answer MALTA.

Question: They may be open to receive weapons (4)

Answer: ARMS

Entities or groups that are receptive to receiving weaponry are often referred to as being open to receiving ARMS.

Question: Musician possibly sang with trio (8)

Answer: ORGANIST

A musician who could potentially be part of a trio and also plays an instrument associated with churches or large musical performances could be described as an ORGANIST.

Question: Like Swiss scenery, perhaps, with a large tree (6)

Answer: ALPINE

Describing a landscape reminiscent of Switzerland, one might envision picturesque scenes. Among these, the presence of a large tree could be a defining feature. This imagery evokes the serene beauty of Alpine regions, where nature's grandeur is intertwined with human habitation.

Question: Extremely smart band with guitar part (6)

Answer: STRING

Discussing the prowess of a musical ensemble, one element stands out: the guitar part. Within this band, known for their exceptional talent, the string section shines particularly bright. Their skillful manipulation of strings adds depth and melody to their compositions, captivating audiences worldwide.

Question: Lack of employment gives one endless recreation (8)

Answer: IDLENESS

This lack of employment provides an opportunity for recreation, with endless possibilities for leisure and entertainment. Whether pursuing hobbies, exploring new interests, or simply relaxing, idleness becomes a way of life during this hiatus from work.

Question: Sign for old chaps (4)

Answer: OMEN

Sign for old chaps hints at an omen, a premonition or sign often associated with age or wisdom. The answer, OMEN, suggests a forewarning or indication of events to come, perhaps referencing the experience and intuition that comes with age.

Question: Cuts or pinches (5)

Answer: NICKS

Cuts or pinches suggests small, minor injuries or discomforts. NICKS fits perfectly, indicating slight cuts or scratches, commonly encountered in everyday activities, like shaving or cooking.

Question: Birds move around one pole (7)

Answer: BUDGIES

Birds move around one pole indicates a type of bird known for its agility and movement. BUDGIES is the answer, referring to budgerigars, small parrots often seen flitting around a perch or pole.

Question: Train set in order for travellers (10)

Answer: ITINERANTS

Train set in order for travelers suggests a group of people moving together in a planned sequence. ITINERANTS is the solution, describing travelers or wanderers who follow a predetermined route or itinerary.

Question: Retail event supported by millions in state capital (5)

Answer: SALEM

Retail event supported by millions in state capital hints at a popular event involving shopping in a significant location. SALEM fits, referencing a bustling retail event supported by large crowds in the state capital, perhaps drawing parallels to a famous shopping destination.

Question: It's a revolutionary wine (4)

Answer: ASTI

It's a revolutionary wine suggests a type of wine known for its innovation or distinctiveness. ASTI is the answer, referring to Asti Spumante, a sparkling wine produced in the Asti region of Italy, known for its effervescence and unique flavor profile.

Question: Former spouse gets saucy — one should know better! (6)

Answer: EXPERT

Former spouse gets saucy — one should know better! implies someone who is experienced or knowledgeable. EXPERT is the answer, indicating someone who possesses expertise or skill, even in situations where others might act impulsively.

Question: Rent man's getting involved in scraps (8)

Answer: REMNANTS

Rent man's getting involved in scraps implies someone dealing with rentals engaging in disputes. Remnants fits because it suggests leftover or remaining bits, akin to the scraps leftover after a conflict.

Question: Formed ranks with one Italian director (7)

Answer: FELLINI

Formed ranks with one Italian director hints at a director known for forming distinctive cinematic styles. Fellini refers to Federico Fellini, an iconic Italian director famous for his unique and influential filmmaking approach, hence forming ranks with him.

Question: Rapid growth ruining a coastline (10)

Answer: ESCALATION

Rapid growth ruining a coastline suggests unchecked expansion negatively impacting a shoreline. Escalation fits as it denotes a rapid increase or intensification, akin to how unchecked growth can ruin the natural beauty of a coastline.

Question: Giants moan about hostility (10)

Answer: ANTAGONISM

Giants moan about hostility implies large entities expressing dissatisfaction with antagonism. Antagonism is fitting as it signifies hostility or opposition, aligning with the moaning or complaints mentioned in the clue.

Question: Together — one with sister and one with child (2,6)

Answer: INUNISON

Together — one with sister and one with child hints at unity among relatives. In unison fits perfectly, indicating harmony or agreement, reflecting the cohesion of being together, whether with a sibling or a child.

Question: Staff whip smelly animal (7)

Answer: POLECAT

Staff whip smelly animal suggests a method of dealing with a foul-smelling creature. Polecat is the answer, referring to a type of carnivorous mammal, often associated with a strong odor, fitting the clue's description of a smelly animal being whipped.

Question: A biro's making a line on a weather map (6)

Answer: ISOBAR

A biro's making a line on a weather map, the term biro hints at something used for drawing lines, suggesting a pen. The lines drawn on weather maps to connect points of equal atmospheric pressure are called isobars, making isobar the correct answer.

Question: Monsieur helps servants (5)

Answer: MAIDS

Monsieur helps servants, the term Monsieur directs us to the French language, indicating a form of address. Combining this with helps servants implies someone who assists household staff, leading to the answer maids.

Question: A place to hide port in Yemen (4)

Answer: ADEN

A place to hide port in Yemen, combines geography and wordplay. Port in Yemen hints at the city of Aden. Adding A place to hide suggests a location within Aden, leading to the answer Aden.